Initialization and update of software and/or firmware in electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A system and method to effectively and efficiently update a version of firmware resident in a device memory is provided. A method of identifying one or more versions of firmware is provided by way of initializing a device memory with a known pattern. In addition, the amount of free unused memory space may be identified and calculated in a device memory. The system and method generates software update packages that are minimal in size providing cost benefit to a manufacturer and convenience to a user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application makes reference to and claims priority based on thefollowing provisional applications, the complete subject matter of eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Ser. No. Docket No. Title Filed Inventors 60/373,422 13888US01 UpdatePackage Generation and Apr. 12, 2002 O'Neill Distribution Network Rao60/373,421 13889US01 Pattern Detection Preprocessor in an Apr. 12, 2002Chen Update Generation System O'Neill Rao Lilley 60/373,423 13890US01Layout Preprocessor in an Update Apr. 12, 2002 Chen Generation SystemO'Neill 60/372,066 13922US01 Memory Initialization System for Apr. 12,2002 Chen Initializing a Memory Image with a O'Neill Pattern

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/311,462, “System and Method for Updating and DistributingInformation”, filed Dec. 13, 2002, which is the National Stage filing ofPCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US01/44034, “System and Method for Updatingand Distributing Information”, filed Nov. 19, 2001, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/249,606,filed Nov. 17, 2000, the complete subject matter of each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is also related to the following co-pendingapplications, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety:

Ser. No. Docket No. Title Filed Inventors 13888US02 Update PackageGeneration and Apr. 11, 2003 O'Neill Distribution Network Rao 13889US02Pattern Detection Preprocessor in an Apr. 11, 2003 Chen ElectronicDevice Update Generation O'Neill System Rao Lilley

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the process of updatingsoftware in electronic devices in general, and, more specifically, tothe specification and subsequent execution of software update activitiesin such devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants,pagers, and interactive digital appliances have become indispensable asa tool as the number of features and functions they provide increases.As technology continues to evolve, a manufacturer of such devices willfind it imperative to update these devices with revised software thatenables a number of new features and functions.

The term “software” used herein is intended to include not onlysoftware, but also or alternatively firmware. Similarly, the term“firmware” used herein is intended to include not only firmware, butalso or alternatively software.

When existing software in memory of an electronic device must be updatedas a result of a version upgrade, the new version of the software mayrequire more memory space than the existing version. An attempt toreplace the existing version with the new version by replacement withnew software may cause a shifting or relocation of adjacent code notrelated to the application software. Such relocations require themodification of software code in order to provide continued operation ofthe updated feature or function. These modifications often involvere-compiling any software code that is affected by address references tothe relocated code. As a result, the size of an update may be quitelarge. The effects of shifting and relocation of adjacent software codeas a part of a software update may result in significant costs to amanufacturer. Furthermore, the time it takes to update a software mayincrease due to a large update size, and this provides an inconvenienceto any user.

In order to perform a software update, it is important to evaluate thefree memory space available should the update size occupy a larger spacethan the existing software. However, it is often difficult to assess theamount of free or unused memory available in an electronic device'smemory because the free space may contain un-initialized random bitpatterns. Free or unused memory in electronic devices provided bydifferent manufacturers is usually not initialized, making it difficultto determine the location and size of any unused or free space. Whenperforming updates of firmware in an electronic device, the amount ofunused memory required for installation is often critical.

During a manufacturing cycle, a manufacturer typically burns copies ofidentical software modules for their devices. However, the unused orfree space may not have a consistent binary pattern. As a result, anytwo similar devices with the same make and model may often end up withdifferent memory (ROM, RAM or FLASH) snapshots or images. Whenattempting to determine the difference between versions of softwareresident in the memory of any two devices, any unused space in eithermemory that contains random un-initialized sequences makes it difficultto compare the two.

In the case of mobile handsets, the software that is often updated andstored in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable ROM (PROM) is calledfirmware. Firmware is often responsible for the behavior of a systemwhen it is first switched on and is used to properly boot up a mobilehandset when powered up. The unused memory space generated by aparticular firmware image may be filled with a random sequence of binarydata. This results in firmware images that are not necessarilyconsistent across handsets with the same firmware version. In comparingthe firmware images from two different handsets of the same type, thefirmware may appear to be significantly different from each other, whenin reality they may be identical. As a result, it becomes a difficulttask to easily identify the version of software loaded in an electronicdevice based on the image it presents. Further, it becomes difficult todetermine whether a device requires an update.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is provided to effectively update a software and/or firmware inan electronic device. The update system comprises a memory layoutpreprocessor used in formulating a memory layout of the firmware, a userinterface to provide input data from a user, a binary image creator usedto generate a firmware initialization binary pattern, a generator toprovide a desirable software update package for incorporation into adevice memory, a software repository for storing binary image patternsand software modules and objects, an external computer system forstoring memory layout specifications, an update agent used forprocessing the software update package generated by the generator, andan electronic device containing the device memory in which the firmwareto be updated is resident.

A method is provided for effectively updating a software and/or firmwarein an electronic device. In one embodiment, the version of softwareresident in a device's memory and the location and size of unused freememory is determined by initializing the device's memory with one ormore pre-determined binary patterns. In one embodiment, buffer spacesare inserted between software modules in a device's firmware to allowfor expansion of a particular software module by way of a future update.In one embodiment, one or more software modules (or objects) areinserted into pre-configured code expansion slots in device's firmware.The memory space that remains after all objects are inserted into a slotprovides buffer space to allow for future updates to these objects.

These and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of illustrated embodiments, thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a memory initialization and software updatesystem for an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a method ofinitializing and updating software loaded in a device memory of anelectronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a memory image comprising a number ofsoftware modules and un-initialized free memory space configured forloading into an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a device memory initialized with apre-determined pattern in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a memory image comprising a number ofsoftware modules and initialized free memory space configured forloading into an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4A is a relational block diagram illustrating an arrangement ofsoftware modules and remaining free memory space in a device memory inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a relational block diagram illustrating an arrangement ofsoftware modules, a block of random free memory space between twosoftware modules, and remaining free memory space in a device memory inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a relational block diagram illustrating a number of uniformlysized free memory spaces interspersed between a number of softwaremodules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a relational block diagram illustrating a number of softwaremodules and corresponding free memory spaces in which the size of a freememory space is proportional to the size of its corresponding softwaremodule in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary input that is processed by a layoutprocessor to yield a scatter load file output in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary scatter load output from a layoutprocessor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates the transfer of software from ROM to RAM in firmwarewithout free buffer spaces.

FIG. 7B illustrates the transfer of software from ROM to RAM in firmwarewith free buffer spaces in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates groupings of object files based on change factors andtheir relationship to memory addresses in a device memory in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 provides an illustration of an exemplary scatter load file inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating objects and unused buffer spacesin firmware loaded on a device memory in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a memory initialization and software updatesystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The memoryinitialization and software update system 105 comprises a generator 107that generates a software update package for an electronic device 111with device memory 110 by way of a memory layout specification, asoftware repository 113, an update agent 109 residing within theelectronic device 111 that can apply the update package onto theelectronic device 111 to upgrade any existing software resident in thedevice memory 110 of the electronic device 111, a layout preprocessor115 that facilitates the introduction of unused memory space forsoftware packages, a user interface 120 to allow input of parametersrelated to the memory layout specification, and a binary image creator124 that generates binary image packages for initializing of the devicememory 110 of the electronic device 111. The software repository 113 maystore software packages generated by the generator 107, as well asbinary image packages generated by the binary image creator 124. Thesoftware packages generated by the generator 107 comprise softwarerequired by the device memory 110 of the electronic device 111 tofunction properly. The software packages may comprise a number ofsoftware modules. Typically, the software (or firmware) is executed uponpower up of the electronic device 111 in preparation for normaloperation by the user. An external computer system 128 may be used as asource to provide a memory layout specification to the layoutpreprocessor 115. The terms software package, update package, andsoftware update package used herein includes instructional code that maybe processed by the update agent 109 in the creation of updated softwarein the electronic device 111. Herein, the concept of initializing adevice memory 110 by a binary pattern occurs by way of creating a binarydata image that is subsequently loaded onto the device memory 110 of theelectronic device 111.

The electronic device 111 comprises any electronic device such as anexemplary mobile handset, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer,pager, interactive digital appliance, or the like. Within the electronicdevice 111 resides a device memory 110 capable of storing and runningfirmware or software for properly booting up and subsequently operatingthe electronic device 111. Exemplary device memory 110 includes flashmemory, random operating memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM, orthe like.

The software repository 113 may comprise one or more computer storagedevices such as a hard drive, optical drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive,tape drive, or other like device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the softwarerepository 113 interfaces with the binary image creator 124 and thegenerator 107.

The update agent 109 comprises hardware and/or software configured toprovide processing of a software package provided to it by the generator107. The update agent 109 may reside within the electronic device 111.

The external computer system 128 comprises one or more computers in anetwork providing one or more storage devices with storable media. Theexternal computer system 128 interfaces with the binary image creator124 or layout preprocessor 115.

The user interface comprises a keyboard or other input device, as wellas a monitor or visual communications device capable of permitting auser to input commands and data into the software update system 105.

The binary image creator 124 configures a binary image by way of amemory layout specification for a given device memory 110. The binaryimage creator 124 may comprise a combination of hardware and softwarecapable of generating binary image patterns. It is contemplated thememory layout specification may be obtained from the device memory 110or from a storage device within an external computer system 128 or bymanual input by way of a user interface 120 connected to the layoutpreprocessor 115. The memory layout specification provides informationregarding the characteristics of the device memory 110 in the electronicdevice 111. In addition, the size of the unused memory space to bedeployed and the location or position of these spaces comprise thememory layout specification.

The layout preprocessor 115 comprises hardware and/or software capableof utilizing a memory layout specification. It generates a layoutconfiguration file often called a scatter load file (to be discussedlater) that maps the memory locations of software modules loaded intothe device memory 110. The configuration file is then provided to thegenerator 107 in which a suitable software update package is generatedfor the electronic device 111.

The generator 107 comprises hardware and software capable of generatinga software package for direct incorporation into a device memory imageor may store the software package in the software repository 113 forsubsequent retrieval and use by one or a plurality of software updatesystems 105. It is contemplated the software package comprises either anew software package that is loaded in a new electronic device 111 atthe time of manufacture or a software update package that is installedas a revision to an existing software package in an electronic device111. Incorporation of the software package into the device memory 110 isby way of an update agent 109 resident within the electronic device 111.The generator 107 typically creates a software package by comparing anexisting software image resident in the device memory 110 of theelectronic device 111 to a newer version of the same software that maybe stored in the software repository 113 or the external computer system128. The generator 107 computes differences in the software images andcreates an appropriate software package. The update agent 109 in thedevice 111 is capable of applying the update package onto the electronicdevice 111 by processing and executing the instructions provided withthe software package.

The generator 107 determines that an electronic device 111 requires asoftware update by way of a binary image previously stored onto thedevice memory 110 of the electronic device 111 by way of the binaryimage creator 124. The binary image package may be generated by thebinary image creator 124 for use by the generator 107 in theincorporation of new or updated software into the device 111. The binaryimage package generated by the binary image creator 124 and the softwarepackage generated by the generator 107 may be installed into a pluralityof electronic devices that are similar or identical in design andfunction to the electronic device 111. The binary image package may bedirectly transmitted to the electronic device 111 by the binary imagecreator 124 for installation into the device memory 110. It iscontemplated the update agent 109 may facilitate installation of thebinary image. Different binary image packages comprising distinct binarypatterns may be created. One or more of these patterns may be installedin a plurality of one or more types of devices as necessary. Wheninterfaced with the generator 107, the different versions of installedbinary images in the plurality of electronic devices may be easilyanalyzed or compared by the generator 107 in order to determinedifferences in software version. Further, the implementation of theseunique binary images or patterns may allow the generator 107 todifferentiate unused memory space from software resident in the devicememory 111 and calculate any available free or unused memory space. Itis contemplated the generator 107 may interface with an electronicdevice 111 by way of wireless or wireline data communications.

By populating the unused portion of memory with binary patternscharacterized by a known and consistent value, a version of softwarethat exists in a particular electronic device 111 may be identified.Further, a comparison of different versions of software resident in adevice memory 110 should yield a specific difference image. For example,a generator 107 that is configured to process a difference image maysubtract a version n image from a version n+m image to generate aresulting difference image, necessitating that a specific softwareupdate package be generated and incorporated into all electronic devicesusing a version n image.

In general, the binary image creator 124 creates a binary memory imagefor initialization of the device memory 110. A finalized binary imagemay be loaded into the device memory 110 by the binary image creator 124before any software package is loaded onto the device memory 110 by thegenerator 107. In other instances, software modules may be incorporatedinto the binary memory image prior to loading. In one embodiment, thebinary image creator 124 is responsible for assembling a finalizedmemory image that is subsequently programmed or flashed into the devicememory 110 of the electronic device 111, such as during manufacturing.Furthermore, it is contemplated that predetermined binary images may bestored within the software repository 113 for future use. Predeterminedbinary images may be comprised of a pattern of binary or hexadecimalcharacters that create a unique image. For example, the device memory110 may be initialized with the value 0xFFFF throughout its entirememory. Other values or combination of values may be employed in otherembodiments. In one embodiment, the memory of the device memory 110 issegmented into multiple memory sections where each memory section isselectively initialized with a different predetermined memory pattern.

It is contemplated that various software packages representing differentversions of software update packages may be saved in the softwarerepository 113 by the generator 107 or loaded directly onto devicememory 110 of one or more electronic devices 111. In one embodiment itis contemplated a software package may be incorporated into a binaryimage and then saved into the software repository 113 for future use bythe generator 107. In one embodiment of the present invention, thevalues of the binary image pattern are consistent across electronicdevices 111 with the same software or firmware version. The update agent109 may serve to facilitate the incorporation of the binary image orsoftware modules into the device memory 110.

In general, the binary image creator 124 may be used to initializedevice memory 110 in different types of devices so that subsequentprocessing by the generator 107 may be accomplished. Such processingincludes determining different versions of the same software ordetermining unused memory locations in a device memory 110.

FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process ofmemory image initialization of device memory and subsequent loading ofsoftware packages, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Atstep 209, a binary image creator 124, such as that illustrated in FIG.1, selectively retrieves a memory layout specification from an externalcomputer system 128, from a device memory 110, or from user inputthrough a user interface 120. Information such as number of memory, typeof memory, and size of memory is provided by the memory layoutspecification for use by the binary image creator 124. Next, at step211, an appropriate binary image pattern configured for use with thememory layout specification is selected and retrieved from a binaryimage repository 113. Then, at a next block 213, the binary imagecreator 124 may create one or more images for initializing one or moredevice memories. The binary image creator 124 accomplishes this bywriting or loading the one or more images it creates into one or moreelectronic devices 111. In other instances, the binary image creator 124may configure a binary image comprising a pattern suitable for loadinginto a device memory for eventual or future use. This binary image maybe stored in the software repository 113. Subsequently, at step 215, asoftware repository 113 provides an image of one or more softwarepackages or software module(s) to the electronic device 111 forincorporation into the device memory 110. Software associated withfunctionality of the update agent 109 may be incorporated into memory byway of modification of the binary image. The resulting image in memoryis such that unused or free memory can be identified by means of theinitialized pattern(s). In addition, a particular binary pattern may beused in the initialization process to correspond with a particularsoftware package version, type of software, or types of software modulesloaded into the device memory 110. In this fashion, a particularsoftware version resident in device memory 110 may be identified. Later,at steps 217 and 219, the initialized binary images with writtensoftware module(s) are saved in a software repository 113 or loaded intoone or more device memories 110 of electronic devices 111.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating exemplary software modules andunused free memory space resident in an un-initialized device memory 307of an electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Exemplary software modules A 309, B 313 and C 315 aredistributed in the un-initialized memory 307 with some amount of freememory available 311, 317, although the available free memory 311, 317may be indistinguishable from memory occupied by the software modules A309, B 313, and C 315, because the unused free memory 311, 317 ischaracterized by a random bit pattern. In addition, a comparison ofimages resident in un-initialized memories of two similar electronicdevices by the generator 107 is likely to produce inconsistentdifference images. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, unused free memory 317 istypically located at the end of the un-initialized memory 307 and anoccasional unused free memory block 311 may occur at random. Softwaremodules A 309, B 313, and C 315 may have adjacent free memory blocksintroduced intentionally or by random chance.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary memory image of aninitialized device memory 325, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Here, the entire memory is initialized with a uniquepre-determined pattern. After initialization, the unused memory 327spans the entire device memory. Because the pattern is known anddeterministic, any unused or free memory space within a device memory iseasily detected after a software package is loaded into the initializeddevice memory 325. In addition, the pre-determined pattern provides arecognizable image that may be used as a tag or identifier to identify aparticular software version. When comparing a device memory of anearlier software version with a current release version, the exemplarygenerator 107 shown in FIG. 1 may generate a unique difference image andsubsequently correlate this with a corresponding software updatepackage. In one embodiment of initializing a memory, a specific patternmay be employed for an entire device memory. In another embodiment, thedevice memory is segmented into multiple segments, and differentpatterns are stored into the different segments of the memory duringinitialization. In the latter method, it is contemplated the differentpatterns provide additional means to identify an image.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment in accordance withthe present invention, illustrating software modules A 359, B 363, and C365 written into initialized device memory 357. The software modules A359, B 363 and C 365 are written onto memory that is initialized with aspecific pattern making it possible to distinguish the available freememory 361 367 from memory currently occupied by software modules 359363 365. In addition, the predetermined pattern provides an image thatmay be used as a tag or identifier to identify a particular softwareversion.

The electronic device 111 may determine a priority of use based upon thespecific bit pattern employed in the unused free space. The electronicdevice 111 may consume portions of unused memory accordingly. Forexample, one or more portions of unused memory may be coded with aspecific binary pattern indicating a priority or preference of use. Ifthe electronic device 111 eliminates any software module, or if anysoftware module relinquishes currently used memory, the released memoryspace can be selectively re-initialized with one or more specificpatterns designating its preference for future use.

In one embodiment, the device memory 110 comprises a FLASH type ofmemory initialized entirely to a specific pattern comprising hexadecimalvalues of 0xFFFF. In another embodiment, the device memory 110 comprisesfour FLASH segments (FLASH1, FLASH2, FLASH3, FLASH4) specified to be0x20000 in size, plus a RAM segment of size 0x40000. In one embodiment,the FLASH segments and the RAM segment are all initialized to the samepattern. In one embodiment, the FLASH and RAM segments are initializedusing one or more patterns.

The layout preprocessor 115 determines available free space in thedevice memory 110 by way of a memory layout specification provided bythe external computer system 128 or one or more electronic devices 111.The preprocessor 115 distributes available free space among individualsoftware modules so as to provide effective and efficient updating ofone or more software modules resident in the device memory 110. If thedevice 111 has extra free space that is currently not being used, theextra free space can be distributed among the available software modulesand the software modules can be spread out in memory so as to providefree space segments, called reserved buffer spaces, juxtaposed to thesoftware modules, providing a mechanism to constrain any update relatedchanges to an individual software module and any dedicated free spacearound it.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more memory layoutspecifications are contained in the layout preprocessor 115 and may beselectively employed by the layout preprocessor 115 to distributeavailable free space among software modules in a device memory 110 bycreating one or more reserved buffer spaces adjacent to each of thesoftware modules. In another embodiment, a memory layout specificationis retrieved by the layout preprocessor 115 from an external system 128,such as was described in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the memory layout specification specifies the layoutof one or more sections of memory on the device, wherein the memory iscomprised of one or more sections of FLASH memory and RAM memory. Theorigin and length of each section of FLASH or RAM is also specifiedalong with assignments of one or more software modules to individualmemory sections. The mapping of specific groups of code within asoftware module loaded onto the various sections of the memory (FLASHRAM) of the device are also specified. The layout preprocessor 115incorporates the information contained in the memory layoutspecification in creating the reserved buffer spaces.

In one embodiment, the layout preprocessor 115 reorganizes and locatessoftware modules on the electronic device 111 by computing the availablefree space and distributing this free space equally among the varioussoftware modules as reserved buffer spaces. In general, the layoutpreprocessor 115 is used as a pre-processing tool in configuring devicememory images for different types of electronic devices 111 so thatsubsequent processing of one or more software modules by the generator107 is easily performed with minimal change to unmodified software inthe device memory 110. The layout preprocessor 115 may insert freespaces into one or more selected software modules in memory as a meansto effectively localize changes to software that require additional freespace.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an exemplary arrangement of softwaremodules in a device memory 405 wherein the software modules A, B, C andD 407, 409, 411, 413 are positioned adjacent to each other without anyfree memory space separating the modules, according to an embodiment ofthe invention. Beyond the last module 413 is an unused or free memorysegment 415 representing the remainder of unused memory. The softwaremodules A 407, B 409, C 411, and D 413 may or may not be related to eachother. Being adjacent to each other without any free memory between maycause a reorganization of links to addresses and references in othermodules in order to modify or upgrade any one module. For example, if anew version of software module A 407 is loaded to replace the existingsoftware module A 407, then replacing the existing version with the newversion may require more or less memory space than what is currentlyutilized. Should additional memory space be required, a relocation orshifting of some or all modules B 409, C 411, and D 413 may occur.Relocation of software modules often necessitates changing the addressesof software jumps and references to addresses. Thus, an avalanche oroverflow effect may occur in which an update to software module A 407results in changes to successive modules B 409, C 411, and D 413.Updates or revision to the last software module 413 may not produce anavalanche or overflow effect since it is adjacent to the free memoryspace 415 at the end of memory.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of another exemplary layout of softwaremodules in a memory displaying software modules that are adjacent toeach other without free memory between them, according to an embodimentof the invention. As shown, a free memory segment 435 ischaracteristically located at the end of the memory block 425, and anoccasional free memory block 437 may occur at random. It is contemplatedthe occasional free memory block 437 provides a small free memory space.Specifically, software modules A 427, B 429 and C 431 are adjacent toeach other and modules A 427, B 429 do not have any adjacent free memoryblocks while software module C 431 has a free memory block 437 adjacentto it, introduced not intentionally, but by random chance.

Such a memory layout may cause an avalanche or overflow effect describedabove for FIG. 4A, in which changes to any software module due toversion upgrades are likely to cause relocation of one or more softwaremodules downstream in the device memory 110. Relocation and shifting ofmemory may occur despite the occurrence of random free memory blocks 437because they might not be large enough to accommodate the sizerequirements of software upgrades due to version changes, patches, orbug fixes.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an exemplary layout of software modulescreated by the layout processor 115 for a device memory 110 whereinuniform sized reserved buffer spaces are placed between the installedsoftware modules A 507, B 509, C 511, and D 513, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. By introducing reserved buffer spaces 517,519, 521 and 533 adjacent to software modules A 507, B 509, C 511, and D513, respectively, the layout processor 115 creates a layout for thesoftware modules that accommodates changes to individual softwaremodules without shifting other installed software modules. In fact, thesize of each of the reserved buffer spaces may be adjusted so as to makerelocation or shifting of other software modules unnecessary.

In one embodiment, the reserved buffer spaces 517, 519, 521 and 533 areconfigured to be the same size. In another embodiment, the reservedbuffer spaces 517, 519, 521 and 533 vary based on the characteristics ofthe individual software modules A 507, B 509, C 511 and D 513.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of an exemplary layout of software modulescreated by the generator 107 for a device memory 110 wherein non-uniformsized reserved buffer spaces 517, 519, 521 and 533 are positionedbetween the installed software modules so as to minimize the shiftingeffects associated with upgrading one or more software modules,according to an embodiment of the invention. Here, the size of eachreserved buffer space is proportional to the size of the softwaremodule(s) it is associated with. For example, the size of reservedbuffer space 517 adjacent to the software module A 507 is selected basedupon and in proportion to the size of the corresponding software moduleA 507. Thus, reserved buffer space 519 is smaller than reserved bufferspace 517 because the software module B 509 is smaller than the softwaremodule A 507.

The methods described in FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment wherereserved buffer spaces are placed between all software modules. Hence,each software module has its own dedicated free memory space.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary input instructional software code thatis processed by the layout preprocessor 115 to generate a memory mappingor scatter load file (as will be discussed later) that incorporatesreserved buffer spaces between software modules in the device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. It depicts a memory thatcomprises a FLASH segment of size 0x70000 and a RAM segment of size0x40000. The software code incorporates information provided by a memorylayout specification.

FIG. 6B is an exemplary output of a scatter load file that is created bythe layout preprocessor 115 that incorporates reserved buffer spacesbetween software modules in a device, according to an embodiment of theinvention. It depicts a memory that comprises four FLASH segments, witha total size 0x70000, with one FLASH segment (FLASH1) specified to be0x1000 in length and three other FLASH segments (FLASH1, FLASH1, FLASH1)specified to be 0x20000 in size, in addition to a RAM segment of size0x40000. For each of the FLASH segments, a mapping of individualsoftware modules is also depicted by way of a data structure termedSECTIONS.

When a new software module update is generated by the generator 107 (asillustrated in FIG. 1) for an electronic device 111, additional memoryspace may be required beyond the space occupied by the existing softwaremodule. One method to provide reserved buffer spaces within a devicememory of an electronic device is by allocating slots within memory inwhich one or more software modules or object files may be loaded. Theseslots may be filled with other object files as new or updated code isincorporated to the electronic device. It is contemplated the slot sizeswould be designed to accommodate any anticipated expansion due toexpected software updates. Using a design technique described below, theexpansion slots are not completely filled by successive updates. Hence,successive slots in memory are not be affected by overflow from apreceding slot obviating any shifting or relocation of software code.

An embodiment of the layout preprocessor 115, termed a code expansionslot tool (CEST), may be used to implement the slot allocation techniquedescribed in the preceding paragraph. In this embodiment, a scatter loadfile is employed to configure memory layout information of softwaremodules stored within a device memory 110. In this embodiment, thescatter load files provide configuration information concerning theassignment of software modules (or objects) to slots and the amount ofmemory space assigned per slot. Any reserved buffer spaces aredetermined for each slot based on remaining space after all objects havebeen assigned to a particular slot. It is contemplated the CESTcomprises a software application with graphical user interface thatoperates on the scatter load file and is executed at the layoutpreprocessor 115 (illustrated in FIG. 1). The scatter load file isultimately used by the generator 107 in creating a software package forincorporation into the device memory 110.

The user of the CEST may specify the number of slots a memory imageshould be divided into by way of the user interface 120. The user of theCEST may organize the memory slots within the image according to alikelihood of change of the objects within a slot. In one embodiment,the objects that are likely to change may be placed within a slotclosest to the end of memory. In one embodiment, the objects that arelikely to change may be placed within a slot of large memory size. Thesescatter load files may be stored on a per project basis in the externalcomputer system 128 or in the layout preprocessor 115. It iscontemplated the CEST may be used as a tool to write or formulate anappropriate scatter load file. If the CEST determines that the user doesnot have enough memory (i.e., ROM) to partition the entire software intothe number of slots required, the CEST may be configured to provide anerror message and a diagnostic report.

FIG. 7A is a perspective block diagram that depicts exemplary ROM 707and RAM 709 footprints in a typical mobile handset without the use ofthe methods described in connection with this invention. Duringoperation, software code from ROM 707 (such as in a FLASH memory) iscopied to a designated address location in RAM 709 for execution. In oneembodiment, the addresses and references of the objects in ROMcorrespond to their actual designated locations in RAM during execution.As illustrated, the application software 701 in ROM is copied to RAM asidentical application software 702.

In contrast, FIG. 7B is a perspective block diagram that depictsexemplary ROM 711 and RAM 713 footprints in a mobile handset whereincode expansion slots are employed to allow for growth in software codedue to updates, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theapplication software 715, 716, 717 in ROM is identically transferred toRAM as application software 725, 726, 727. As a consequence, the mobilehandset operates identically to that described in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective block diagram that depicts an exemplary groupingof software objects that is grouped based on their probability ofchange, according to an embodiment of the invention. The probability ofchange is termed a change factor. As illustrated, objects having likeprobability of change are grouped into the same change factor. In thisexemplary diagram, the change factor varies from a value of 0 to a valueof 3. As illustrated, the objects having the greatest likelihood ofchange are placed towards the end of memory (at highest addresslocations) and are assigned a change factor of 3. As shown by thedirectional arrow 820, the change factors having a higher probability ofchange are stored in higher address memory locations in ROM. In thisexemplary diagram, ROM is divided into four slots labeled APP_ROM1 807,APP_ROM2 808, APP_ROM3 809, and APP_ROM4 810 to accommodate object fileswith varying change characteristics. Object files Bootapp.o, audfmt.lib,saf.lib, bfcomdrv_null.o, NpComDrv_Common.o, and dsmgr.o are associatedwith a zero change factor and are characterized by a low probability ofchange. As a consequence, they are stored in a low address memory rangesuch as APP_ROM1. On the other hand, object files such asdadownloadagent.o, dachunk.o, daheap.o, daprotocol.o, dsctl.o, andbfbearerlib_null.o are stored in APP_ROM4 810 because these files areconsidered to have a high probability of change.

Typically, a firmware image may comprise thousands of objects to allowfor a fully functional device. When a firmware comprises many thousandsof object files, it is contemplated the update methods employed by theembodiments described is of greater significance because of theavalanche or overflow effect described. When such methods are notemployed, an update may necessitate using an update package of increasedsize.

As the amount of available space in memory is limited, it is useful toallocate memory space as effectively as possible. Updates are oftennecessitated by major bug fixes, performance requirement changes, or newfunctionalities. Often a user's practical experience is employed torefine the amount of reserved buffer spaces allocated per block ofdevice memory to accommodate for such updates. If experience dictatesthat a particular object is not going to change during a device'slifetime, it may be desirable to assign it to a slot containing littleunused space unless extra space is plentiful. In one embodiment, aweighting factor may be used to multiply an average buffer slot size inthe calculation of the amount of reserved buffer space or code expansionspace required. It is contemplated that by experimentation andexperience, a user may determine the average buffer slot size required.

The selection criteria for grouping objects are also addressed. Forexample, all objects that were predicted not to change may be groupedtogether into a common slot at the beginning of memory. In addition, iftwo or more objects share similar functionality, they may be groupedtogether. In this instance, it is contemplated the benefit is easierorganization and implementation of a particular design.

In one embodiment, a firmware image intended for release is built bycompiling code and organizing the compiled objects into an image. Duringthe build process, a linker generates what may be called a map file. Amap file contains the results of the link including the final sizes ofobjects and their placement in the firmware image. From the map file,the names and sizes of all objects are defined and this information maybe subsequently assigned into a device memory's slots. In some cases,objects can be grouped and in other cases single objects could be placedin dedicated slots. As an example, an object A is found in the map fileto occupy 24 KB. Because the probability of change for this object isconsidered high, it is estimated the object might grow to 32 KB in thefuture. Based on this value, a slot size of 32 KB may be specified inits corresponding scatter load file. With the slot sizes preliminarilydefined by a map file, a scatter load file can be used to re-specifyeach slot or software module size and its associated object files. Inone embodiment, a linker is used to place compiled source code intosoftware (firmware). The linker arranges all the compiled objects into afirmware image of which the order of objects in firmware are specifiedby the scatter load file. This image is then copied into a flash memoryof an electronic device. To implement an appropriate layout of memory, ascatter load file may be formatted as follows:

Scatter Load File (SLF) Format section-name starting-address size {  object file-list }and has the following definitions:

-   section-name—An arbitrary label that describes a section, which can    be considered a slot.-   starting address—Address that specifies where in the final firmware    memory the section is placed.-   size—The size given to that section.-   object file-list—The list of objects to be placed in the section or    slot

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a set of instructions implementing anexemplary scatter load file 905 and its corresponding mapping of objectfiles 1010 1012 1014 1016 and buffer spaces 1020, 1021, 1022 onto afirmware 1007, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Thescatter load file 905 specifies that an object A 910 is placed insection A 914, objects B 920 and C 922 are placed in section B 924, andan object D 930 is placed in section C 934. Section A 914 mayaccommodate up to 0x1000 bytes, while section B 924 up to 0x3000 bytes,and section C 934 up to 0x2000 bytes. In the case of section B 924,there are two objects of which the sizes of both objects B 920 and C 922cannot exceed 0x3000 bytes. If the objects in any section exceed thesection size, a linker error may be generated during the build of thefirmware.

In one embodiment, a code expansion slot tool (CEST) of the layoutpreprocessor 115, shown in FIG. 1, may be configured to provide thefollowing:

-   -   A per project configuration file that may comprise information        such as:        -   Number of memory blocks a device memory is divided into        -   Change factor values for each memory block        -   Scatter load file information such as filename and location.        -   Memory size        -   Starting and ending addresses in each block of device memory        -   Amount and location of reserved buffer space or code            expansion slot for each block of device memory        -   Map filename and location        -   The names of the object files and what blocks they belong to    -   Automated or manual creation of a scatter load file        incorporating code expansion slots    -   A configuration file for the general tool use that will store        the names and locations of each project    -   Ability to read Map files and determine the following:        -   Name of each load and execution block        -   Size of each load and execution block        -   Name and size of each object file    -   A graphical user interface provided by the CEST    -   Provide the user with the ability to input starting and ending        information of blocks within device memory    -   Provide the user the ability to associate one or more groups of        object files with a change factor. It is contemplated an        exemplary numeric scale for this factor will be as follows:

0. No changes

1. Infrequent Changes

2. Moderate Changes

3. Frequent Changes

-   -   Ability to save a user's personal settings into the project        configuration file    -   Allocation algorithms for configuring memory blocks or slots        within a device memory:        -   Allocate object files to memory blocks or slots according to            its associated change factor such that memory blocks (or            slots) at the highest addresses in memory have the greatest            available free space        -   Allocate free space evenly among the device memory blocks        -   Allocate no space for the first two address blocks or slots            in device memory, but evenly split the unused free memory            space among the remaining memory blocks        -   Allocate space based on weighting factors correlated to            probability of change and an average reserved buffer size        -   It is contemplated other combination of uniform and            non-uniform space allocation methodologies may exist and may            be implemented    -   Provide an errata log which comprises the following:        -   Date in which error occurs        -   Project name associated with error        -   Error message        -   Diagnostic information    -   Prompt the user concerning the allocation of single large blocks        of device memory for a large software module such as an        exemplary main application software module. It is contemplated        the CEST may divide this block into a number of sub-blocks. The        CEST may alert the user if a block is of a certain maximum size,        in order to ensure that block sizes are not too large.    -   Upon segmentation of large blocks, files may be assigned to the        newly segmented memory blocks based on change factor.    -   Ability of a user to manually map object files or other files        with specific ROM blocks.

The code expansion slot method utilizing a scatter load file as embodiedin the CEST may provide minimization of update package sizes for manyversion releases of a firmware image. Just as an initial releaserequires code change factor estimates and heuristics that areexperimented with until a desired slot organization and characteristicsare achieved, during any revision work, the slots should not be adjusteduntil all the changes are implemented and desired characteristics aredetermined and achieved.

Organizing object code within firmware generally involves evaluatingeach software object and identifying the objects that are most likely torequire modifications or enhancements. This determination may be basedon a manufacturer's development cycle, product road map, or otherdistinguishable metrics. The objects with a high probability ofsignificant modification would then be placed at the top of the firmwareimage or highest memory address in firmware. If modifications arerequired after the device's commercial release that result insignificant changes to these objects, displacement, relocation, orshifting of objects into other memory blocks or slots would most likelyoccur. Further, the addition of large updates may overwhelm the reservedmemory in one or more slots. However, since these objects were placed atthe top of the image, the avalanche effect is limited to the top area offlash, resulting in a smaller update package (used for updates) thanwould have been generated (by a generator 107) if these objects werelocated at the bottom of the image.

In summary, aspects of the present invention provide a number ofembodiments of a system and method to effectively initialize and updatefirmware in an electronic device. In one embodiment, the version ofsoftware resident in a device's memory and the location and size ofunused free memory are determined by initializing the device's memorywith one or more pre-determined binary patterns. In one embodiment,buffer spaces are inserted between software modules in a device'sfirmware to allow for expansion of a particular software module by wayof a future update. In one embodiment, one or more software modules (orobjects) are inserted into pre-configured code expansion slots indevice's firmware. The memory space that remains after all objects areinserted into a slot provides buffer space to allow for future updatesto these objects.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A system for initializing a memory and updating software in anelectronic device comprising: a generator for generating a softwareupdate package for incorporation into a device memory of said electronicdevice; a binary image creator for generating a binary pattern forinitializing said device memory of said electronic device before loadingof software onto said device memory, said binary pattern representativeof version information of said software; a layout preprocessor forimplementing a memory layout specification into software code, mappingconfiguration parameters associated with said layout specification, andincorporating reserved buffer space for use by said generator; asoftware repository for storing at least one of said software updatepackage and said binary pattern; a user interface for inputting saidlayout specification directly into said layout preprocessor; and whereinsaid software is overlayed on said binary pattern to form a binary imageused to update said device memory, by one of said binary image creatoror said electronic device.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprisingan external computer system for providing a layout specification to saidlayout preprocessor.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the softwarerepository comprises one or more computer storage devices.
 4. The systemof claim 1 wherein said layout preprocessor is configured to insertreserved buffer space adjacent an associated software module forsubsequent processing by said generator.
 5. The system of claim 4wherein said reserved buffer spaces are of equal size.
 6. The system ofclaim 4 wherein said reserved buffer space comprises a size proportionalto its associated software module.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein saidlayout preprocessor is configured to assign one or more software modulesto one or more predefined slots of memory for subsequent processing bysaid generator.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said one or moresoftware modules comprise software objects.
 9. The system of claim 7wherein said layout preprocessor assigns one or more software modules toone or more predefined slots of memory based on a probability of changeof said one or more software modules.
 10. The system of claim 9 whereinsaid probability of change is specified by a numeric value.
 11. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein sizes of said predefined slots is based on aprobability of change of said one or more software modules.
 12. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein sizes of said predefined slots is based on aweighting factor correlated to probability of change and an averagereserved buffer size.
 13. The system of claim 7 wherein the first twoslots of said one or more predefined slots of memory provide no bufferspace and the remaining slots provide buffer spaces of equivalent sizes.14. The system of claim 1 wherein said generator identifies versions ofsoftware modules residing in said device memory and generates a suitablesoftware update package for processing by an update agent in saidelectronic device into said device memory in said electronic device. 15.The system of claim 1 wherein said mapping of software modules by saidpreprocessor minimizes the size of said software update packages.
 16. Amethod of updating software in a device memory of an electronic device,the method comprising: obtaining a memory layout specification;processing said layout specification; creating a binary image forinitializing said device memory with at least one predetermined binarypattern before loading of software onto said device memory, based uponsaid layout specification, said predetermined binary patternrepresenting version information for said software; generating asoftware update package for loading said software into said electronicdevice after the initialization; transmitting said software updatepackage for processing within said electronic device; and whereinprocessing comprises incorporating said software into said binary imagein said device memory.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein saidgenerating a software update package comprises: assessing an imageprovided by a device memory of an electronic device; comparing saidimage to one or more images stored in a software repository; subtractingsaid two images to produce a difference image; and generating an imagefor said software update package based on said difference image.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 wherein said obtaining layout specification isperformed by way of input of data from a user through a user interface.19. The method of claim 16 wherein said obtaining layout specificationis performed by accessing said layout specification data from anexternal computer system.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein saidobtaining layout specification is performed by accessing said layoutspecification data from one or more electronic devices.
 21. A method ofidentifying free space within a device memory of an electronic device,the method comprising: obtaining a memory layout specification;generating one or more predetermined binary pattern(s) based on saidmemory layout specification, and wherein said one or more predeterminedbinary pattern(s) are representative of version information;initializing said device memory with said one or more predeterminedbinary pattern(s), before loading software corresponding to said versioninformation into said device memory; and identifying as free space oneor more portions of said device memory matching at least one of said oneor more predetermined binary pattern(s).
 22. The method of claim 21wherein said initializing is performed by an update agent located withinsaid electronic device.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein saidobtaining memory layout specification is performed by way of input ofdata from a user through a user interface.
 24. The method of claim 21wherein said obtaining memory layout specification is performed byaccessing said layout specification data from an external computersystem.
 25. The method of claim 21 wherein said obtaining memory layoutspecification is performed by accessing said layout specification datafrom one or more electronic devices.
 26. A method of differentiatingversions of one or more software modules stored in memory of a pluralityof electronic devices, the method comprising: before loading software,initializing a device memory image with one or more predetermined binarypatterns, each of the one or more predetermined binary patterns selectedusing version information for a corresponding one of the one or moresoftware modules; after initializing, loading the one or more softwaremodules onto said device memory image; storing said device memory imageresulting from said initializing and loading, into a softwarerepository; and determining a version difference based upon the one ormore predetermined binary patterns in stored device memory images. 27.The method of claim 26, further comprising: providing free space for oneor more software modules in said device memory.